(Bearded Andrew above)

How are you opting outside on Black Friday?

After we’ve turned our leftovers into the year’s best trail snacks, we are taking REI’s lead to #optoutside on Black Friday, though let’s be honest… we might still do some online shopping because SALES!

For our leftovers, we’ll be making the obligatory turkey crystals (dinner roll + turkey + cranberry sauce + brie if you have it), trying our hand at stuffing waffles, and mixing up some sweet potato souffle-filled pop tarts (similar recipe here – don’t forget to save your pie crust scraps or make extra!)

How are you opting outside?  Our specific plans are still TBD, but we’ve been brainstorming and trying to think of things we can do with the whole family (Andrew’s parents will be in town from sea level and they aren’t super active) and wanted to share them here in case you need a few ideas!

Go cross-country skiing – I’m thinking this could be a great option since Andrew’s mom has bad knees

Go sledding

Go to a park, or better yet, have a leftover picnic!  Don’t forget the yard games.

Go for a hike or snowshoe

Participate in UBB’s “Blue Friday” and pick up trash somewhere in your city

Go skiing/snowboarding, or do an early morning skin at your local ski resort, before the mountain opens.  Make sure it’s allowed first – in Colorado, we love A-Basin, Loveland, Crested Butte, and Steamboat for this.

Practice orienteering

Do some yard work – I’m talking to you, leaves in our yard and garlic that still isn’t in the ground!  Plus it’s a great family activity!

Start decorating for Christmas – pick out your tree, hang some lights outside, etc.

Explore a new-to-you State Park

Practice your outdoor photography skills.  You can even try and get some photos for your holiday card.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!  We’ll be back later this week with a quick post about some good outdoorsy sales for those of you who are doing some pre-holiday or online shopping

PS – leave us a comment and let us know if you have other ideas that we left off the list!